Former UNC librarian to read farewell poems at Historic Playmakers Theatre

Jeffery Beam never thought he would be able to book Historic Playmakers Theatre for his thank you poetry reading.

But his prediction was wrong.

Beam, who retired last November after 35 years with the University Library system, will hold a poetry reading Thursday entitled “A Carolina Valentine.”

“I thought it would be great if I could give a poetry reading as a farewell gift to the University for all of the great things that have come to me by being here,” Beam said.

During his 35 years at UNC, Beam has met and helped many students, professionals and faculty.

“Jeffery has made many wonderful contributions to the library, and we’re very glad to be celebrating his career at UNC and his terrific artistic achievements,” said Judy Panitch, director of library communications.

All of the poems Beam will read are somehow inspired by the UNC campus, he said.

After graduating from UNC-Charlotte, Beam said he didn’t want to go to graduate school or teach. He wanted to find a job that would support him financially and that he would be happy with.

“I had always worked in bookstores and libraries, so when I came to Chapel Hill, I looked for a job in the library,” Beam said.

“I had always felt that being a civil servant — and state employee — was as important as being a poet.”

What Beam enjoyed the most about working in the Botany Library, as opposed to one of the larger libraries, was that it allowed him to be part of a distinct community.

“At a small library, you got to meet people who were focused on a particular subject — and in the case of the Botany Library, a subject I didn’t know much about,” Beam said.

He said his time at the Botany Library helped him overcome stereotypes about scientific-minded people compared to artistic types.

“I went to that library thinking that they wouldn’t care anything about poetry or art, and of course, I learned that that was completely untrue,” Beam said.

“Many scientists are musicians, can paint and are interested in poetry.”

The science of his job influenced his poems, Beam said.

At the event, Beam will read from two books of poetry. One book features botanical poems and the other features bestiary ones.

Since retiring, Beam has been settling into his home office and taking on other big projects.

He still works for the literary journal “Oyster Boy Review,” and he is also working with other local writers on a long-term project.

Beam said he will miss a lot of aspects of life at UNC, but one in particular stands out.

“Of course what I enjoyed the most were the people,” he said.

Contact the Arts Editor at arts@dailytarheel.com.